Prime Video recently returned to the world of one of its first hit television shows with Jack Ryan: Ghost War, which sees John Kraskinski reprising his role as the titular super spy. Add in the fact that Ghost War is packed with enough action and bloodshed to rival Reacher, and it’s no wonder that it’s rocketed up Prime Video’s streaming charts in the past week. Those same streaming charts are currently home to another military-themed movie that has a science fiction flair. This movie also holds the title of being one of the worst box office bombs of all time, and nearly ending one actor’s career.

Said movie is Battleship, directed by Peter Berg and featuring an ensemble cast that includes Taylor Kitsch, Alexander Skarsgård, Liam Neeson, and Rhianna in her acting debut. Currently, Battleship sits at #6 on Prime Video’s U.S. charts, according to FlixPatrol. That’s a far cry from Battleship‘s theatrical records, as it ended up losing Universal $150 million and was brutally ripped apart by critics. So what exactly is contributing to Battleship‘s surprise resurgence on streaming? There’s a key element that might explain why it’s been a major draw for Prime Video subscribers.

‘Battleship’ Is a Tug-of-War Between an Alien Invasion Movie & War Thriller

Image via Universal Pictures

The major reason for Battleship‘s poor critical and box office reception lies in the strange update that Berg and screenwriters Jon & Erich Hoeber made to the source material. While the Battleship board game features two opposing naval forces engaged in battle, the Battleship movie decides to pit Kitsch’s Alex Hopper and a crew of naval officers against a group of alien invaders. Yes, this is a movie that features the Navy duking it out with aliens. Apart from the aliens utilizing bombs that resemble the pegs that Battleship players use and a tense sequence where Alex’s crew utilizes radar to target the invaders’ ships, this is a movie that bears very little resemblance to its source material. Berg even admitted at a WonderCon panel how little his movie resembled the game it was named after.

“Battleship’s a unique experience. It certainly doesn’t have any direct correlation to the game. That being said, it was a lot of fun to try to find way to reference the game. If you look at the ordinance that the enemies use, it looks a bit like pegs. Both of our ships’ radar systems have trouble seeing each other, so they gotta try and predict where the enemy is so that they can go after them. And there were some other things that were kind of fun.”

While the alien aspects of Battleship might be out of place, Berg does show his appreciation for the military by featuring actual veterans and naval officers in the cast. A group of veterans helps Alex’s crew operate an actual battleship in the movie’s climax, and another subplot features Lieutenant Colonel Mick Canales, a double amputee played by Gregory Gadson — who’s actually a Navy Colonel and double amputee. This was Gadson’s first acting role, yet he turns in a great performance that makes you wish he was the hero of the movie. It wasn’t enough to save Battleship from a critical thrashing, as reviews unfavorably compared it to Michael Bay‘s Transformers movies.

The Director of ‘Battleship’ Is Tackling Another Major Franchise

While Battleship might have flopped at the box office, it doesn’t mark the end of Peter Berg’s time tackling military-based franchises. Berg is set to direct, co-write and produce a Call of Duty movie at Paramount alongside Taylor Sheridan, though he’s already faced an uphill battle after an interview in which he called video game players “weak”…which isn’t the right approach one would want to take when adapting a video game series based on military conflicts. Taylor Kitsch is faring far better, as he not only turned in a better performance in Berg’s Battleship follow-up Lone Survivor, but also anchors one of Prime Video’s biggest franchises with The Terminal List and its spin-off series, The Terminal List: Dark Wolf.

Battleship remains an odd beast; despite having a less than stellar theatrical run, it’s finding a new audience who probably appreciates how bonkers it is or that the military action is enough to overlook the science fiction elements. If you want to have a laugh with your friends, it’s worth a weekend watch.

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Release Date

May 18, 2012

Runtime

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131 minutes

Writers

Erich Hoeber, Jon Hoeber

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Producers

Duncan Henderson, Scott Stuber, Bennett Schneir, Brian Goldner

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Even Katie Holmes is bored with plain white sneakers. The actress strolled through Brooklyn rocking a sleek black sneaker style that quickly caught our eye — which is saying a lot, given that her jeans were purple. We’re starting to think we should ditch our white ones, too, especially since Holmes’ look is on sale for just $37.

Comprised of a simple black cardigan, rustic purple jeans and a leather tote slung over her shoulder, Holmes’ outfit screamed ‘cool mom.’ It had that effortlessly luxe appeal that seems hard to recreate, but isn’t once you have the right shoes. These black sneakers are it, sharpening jeans, polishing tees and making any outfit look intentional.

Get the Vepose Black Retro Casual Sneakers for $37 (was $50) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

These Vepose Black Retro Casual Sneakers nail Holmes’ cool-mom vibe, featuring a similar low profile, solid black color and understated design. But they take classy up a notch, thanks to crinkled leather, suede accents and a square toe that makes them modern, not basic.

What sold Us is what’s on the inside. Arch support and memory foam padding mean you can wear these comfy sneakers for a full afternoon of errands, days at the zoo and walks through the neighborhood. Shoppers even love them for travel!

“They’re lightweight and don’t feel bulky, which is a big plus for travel or all-day wear,” one happy shopper wrote. “Overall, these are stylish, comfortable and a little different in the best way, making them a great choice if you want something casual but still eye-catching.”

Pair these chic kicks with jeans, as Holmes did or rock them with a midi dress and a comfy cardigan. They work with wide-leg trousers for the office, cropped pants on weekends and yes, even leggings for lounging around the house.

These simple stunners are minimal without being boring, retro without feeling dated and comfortable without looking orthopedic. That’s a tough trifecta to nail at any price, let alone under $40. If you see your size, snag it!

Get the Vepose Black Retro Casual Sneakers for $37 (was $50) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Sitting between HBO’s crime darling The Sopranos and fan-favorite period drama Peaky Blinders is a perfect marriage of the two shows in Boardwalk Empire. The brainchild of Sopranos writer and executive producer Terence Winter, the series also features Steve Buscemi — who appeared in and directed episodes of The Sopranos — as Atlantic County Treasurer Enoch “Nucky” Thompson. With a pilot reportedly costing around $18 million and directed by Martin Scorsese, Boardwalk Empire has its own charm and scale, from its adaptation of real-life mafia criminals to featuring early breakout roles from some of television’s biggest names, such as Stephen Graham, Charlie Cox, and Bobby Cannavale.

What is ‘Boardwalk Empire’ About?

Boardwalk Empire sets the scene in 1920s Atlantic City, just hours before Prohibition laws are put into effect. While everyone else is lamenting the ban on liquor, Nucky sees it as the perfect opportunity to distribute bootleg alcohol at premium prices. The best part is he never has to do the dirty work himself; he’s simply a man who knows how to network with the right people to do his bidding. When he’s not dealing with Prohibition, Nucky is working his way up the political ladder. Illegal booze brings in the money, but winning the 1920 Atlantic City mayoral election guarantees him the power he needs to make moves throughout the city with minimal to no interference from the feds.

However, just because Nucky is part of the government himself doesn’t mean he’s safe from gangs looking to grab a piece of the pie. Rival organizations — from Arnold Rothstein’s New York syndicate, which becomes the launching pad for Charles “Lucky” Luciano (Vincent Piazza), to the Chicago Outfit that paves the way for Al Capone (Graham) — all want in on Nucky’s growing empire. At the same time, these men refuse to be mere puppets under Nucky’s control, and they have no problem turning on him if things stop going their way. Business only gets messier once these factions begin clashing with each other, forcing Nucky to pick the side that benefits him most.

‘Boardwalk Empire’ Is Perfect for Crime Drama Fans Who Want Something More Subtle

Unlike the hedonism of Los Angeles or New York City, there is a certain decorum in Atlantic City — mainly because Nucky’s job as treasurer requires him to be scandal-free. Because of this, criminal business in Boardwalk Empire is conducted as discreetly as possible to avoid attention. Even when lines are crossed, murders are carried out without causing too much public commotion. These gangsters don’t need the public living in fear of them; their main priority is to keep their liquor flowing through Atlantic City.

This duality between subtlety and violence keeps things exciting in Boardwalk Empire. Other characters who follow this mold include Nucky’s protégé, James “Jimmy” Darmody (Michael Pitt), who was once destined for Princeton before choosing to serve in the Army. Discharged due to an injury, Jimmy returns to Atlantic City, shattered, but still wants to become a gangster. He might be pulling the trigger, but behind closed doors, he is trapped in a cycle of trauma. The same complexity also applies to Margaret Thompson (Kelly Macdonald), a working-class suffragette who becomes Nucky’s love interest. Although meek and soft-spoken, she grows into a force of her own, becoming involved in Nucky’s illicit businesses.

‘Boardwalk Empire’s Nucky Thompson Is the Nicest Villain in Television History

Image via HBO

One of the shared threads between Nucky, The Sopranos‘ Tony (James Gandolfini), and Peaky Blinders‘ Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) is the clash of identities. Like the other two, Nucky is a gangster underneath his tailored suits, but outside operations, he is something else entirely. However, in Nucky’s case, the split is even more institutional. Tony is a mob boss navigating suburban family life, Tommy is a post-war entrepreneur affected by trauma, but Nucky is a politician whose criminal empire is built on top of his government position. Loosely inspired by real-life politician Enoch L. Johnson, Nucky is a public darling — charismatic, good with minorities, and almost guaranteed electoral success.

Because of his status, Nucky prefers negotiation and influence over brute force, though there are rare moments when he extends his generosity. He has a soft spot for undeservedly unfortunate people, partly because he himself came from a difficult upbringing. That is what makes Nucky so difficult to read. One moment, he is compassionate; the next, he is utterly merciless. As Margaret once points out, there is an innate kindness in Nucky, which makes it hard for her to understand how he can continue living this kind of life. For Nucky, it is never about the size of the sin — only how much sin he is willing to live with.

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Release Date

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2010 – 2014-00-00

Showrunner

Terence Winter

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Directors

Timothy Van Patten, Allen Coulter

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Writers

Terence Winter, Nelson Johnson

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Fifteen years ago, we were still a few years out from the major superhero craze that hit television, but longtime DC Comics fans still had plenty to celebrate. Sure, Smallville was about to end, but that didn’t mean DC adaptations were down for the count. In 2010, Fox introduced a mid-season replacement series in the style of Burn Notice and other action-spy programs titled Human Target. Like many, you’ve likely forgotten about this stellar short-term action drama, but if you’re looking for some comic book-inspired entertainment that fits stylishly into the 21st century, look no further than this Mark Valley-led series.

‘Human Target’ Breathed New Life Into DC Comics’ Christopher Chance

If you’ve never heard of Human Target, that’s probably because it’s not DC Comics’ most popular brand. The television series was based on a DC Comics character created by comic legends Len Wein and Carmine Infantino back in the ’70s (not to be confused with another “Human Target” from the ’50s), updating the role for modern day. That character? Christopher Chance, a former assassin and private contractor who assumes the identities of those he’s hired to protect to weed out the threats against them, thus becoming a literal “human target.”

Chance wove in and out of comics for decades, appearing in issues of Detective Comics, Action Comics, and a handful of solo series in that time, but it wasn’t until Jericho co-creator Jonathan E. Steinberg took a stab at bringing him back to the small screen that Christopher Chance really got his due. Although this wasn’t the first Human Target series — back in the ’90s, ABC ran a seven-episode Human Target show with Rick Springfield as Chance — the Fox version is the most memorable, and is still highly worth the binge.

Played by Mark Valley, Human Target breathed new life into the Christopher Chance character, introducing a supporting cast that added a completely different dynamic. His close friendships with Winston (Chi McBride) and hitman Guerrero (Jackie Earle Haley) not only make Chance better at his job, but help fill out the world beyond Chance’s complicated personal history. Human Target was particularly notable for its infusion of humor in the midst of intense action and dramatic sequences, long before that became the standard for every action-based Hollywood project. Though the show itself was certainly a departure from the original comic book series, the basic concept of Christopher Chance and his mission remained, with plenty of on-screen charisma from the show’s leads to keep fans glued to the screen. And that’s not to mention how fun the promos were.

Over the course of two seasons and 25 episodes, Human Target put Chance (and the audience) through a brand-new case of near-death, high-octane adventure with every installment. Each episode was jam-packed with recognizable guest stars, explosive action sequences, and witty banter between the three leads that you could never quite get enough of. Bear McCreary of Battlestar Galactica and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles fame was responsible for the show’s rousing and orchestral score (at least during the first season), establishing that Human Target was a serious network television drama that fans ought to pay attention to. Whether you were familiar with Chance’s DC Comics roots or not, it didn’t matter, because just as Chance brought everyone up to speed about each new weekly job, so too was the show easily accessible for anyone with an interest.

‘Human Target’ Offers a Type of Action Hero That’s a Perfect Fit for TV

Image via Fox

Fresh off his time on Fringe, Mark Valley was the perfect performer to embody the part of Christopher Chance. Always exuding an air of confidence, no matter the situation he found himself in, Valley’s charisma and skills made him stand out compared to most action heroes who grace the screens of network TV. It certainly helped that Valley had a military look about him, having served in the U.S. Army in his youth. But despite that, Valley once told Collider that what Chance goes through on-screen is far more exhilarating than his actual military experience. Still, we can see that Valley — who previously starred in Boston Legal — is clearly at home on a show like this, strolling through spy-like missions with the swagger of James Bond and the investigative capabilities of Batman.

Throughout the show (though especially the first season), we follow Chance as he runs from his past by trying to make a new life in the present. Since his complicated backstory threatens to put his team in danger at any moment, Chance often finds himself at the crosshairs with the assassin types he once called family, namely his former brother-like figure, Baptiste (played by the ever-talented Lennie James). But Chance is a man who believes in second chances. Having been on the wrong end of the gun barrel for too many years, this former assassin has turned over a new leaf and has vowed to protect lives as best he can rather than take them. It’s an age-old tale, but one that Human Target makes its own with a likable cast and clever plots that breathe fresh air into the action TV genre.

‘Human Target’ Tried To Rebrand for Season 2, but Was Ultimately Cancelled

After a first season that exceeded fan expectations, Fox decided to switch things up going into Season 2. Steinberg left the show in favor of Matt Miller, who introduced two new characters to Chance’s team: financier Ilsa Pucci (Indira Varma) and former thief Ames (Janet Montgomery). Ahead of Season 2, Valley and Hailey spoke to Collider, where the former noted his excitement for the upcoming changes. “I think it’s a show that’s already started on a very interesting, very adventurous and very fun path, and it’s just going to continue,” Valley explained. The results were fairly mixed, with some claiming that Fox ruined a good thing by adding new characters and expanding the world. Others were taken by these female additions to the male-dominated show, which opened the door for fascinating new stories to explore.

But Human Target wasn’t meant to be a long-term investment. After the show’s second season, Fox cancelled the drama, and Christopher Chance hasn’t been back since. Well, Mark Valley’s take on the character, anyway. Another version of Chance was introduced in the Arrowverse several years later, played by Wil Traval, but sadly, there was no connection between them. Instead, Human Target fell to the wayside. The second season wasn’t even released on home video like the first, making it generally a tough show to find online.

For many, the action drama was swept up and forgotten, which is a shame considering how much potential Human Target had long-term. The good news is, this one doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, so the quick two-season binge won’t feel like you’re missing a definitive conclusion by the end.

Taylor Swift has reportedly become very wary about who she talks to regarding her upcoming nuptials to NFL star Travis Kelce.

According to a report, the couple has had to make certain adjustments due to the leaks, which have been “incredibly disheartening.”

This comes amid claims that Taylor Swift’s guest list will be missing some of her famous pals, with whom she has grown distant.

Insiders claim Swift and Kelce are under serious pressure ahead of their rumored July 3 wedding, especially after alleged strict guest rules were leaked by an individual said to have been invited to the event.

Speaking to Star Magazine, a source explained that all the recent leaks have been incredibly disheartening for the power couple, as they have now been forced to make last-minute changes to their plans.

“They’ve had to change venues and dates. It’s been such a monstrous headache, but even worse, it has left Taylor feeling very vulnerable. There are a lot of questions about who to trust,” the source said.

Swift, especially, is said to have become very secretive about her preparations for her big day, which will likely be an intimate ceremony involving only close friends and family.

The Singer’s Desire For Privacy Made Her Limit Guests From Bringing A Plus One

Regarding Swift and Kelce’s special day, an alleged guest claimed the singer’s invitation did not include room for a plus one, which they found to be questionable.

However, according to a source, Swift did this to make her wedding day more intimate and private, as she doesn’t want to see “random” people at the ceremony.

“People are used to being automatically given a plus one to a wedding, but that’s not the case for this wedding, and that is purely because of Taylor’s desire for privacy,” a source explained to the publication.

They continued, “She doesn’t want to see random faces in the crowd when she’s having her most intimate moment with her husband, committing themselves to each other for life.”

Taylor Swift Doesn’t Care If Her Rules ‘Upset’ Potential Guests

Swift plans to do everything she can to keep details of her big day private, and reportedly doesn’t care if potential guests are upset about her strict terms and conditions.

The singer “doesn’t want to have to worry about who could be there spying,” a source explained to Star Magazine about the hugely anticipated wedding ceremony.

“Taylor has always guarded her privacy fiercely, and this day will be no different,” the insider continued, noting that the event is being “orchestrated like a military operation, hard choices need to be made, and if that upsets people, so be it.”

According to the source, Swift’s wedding is “being orchestrated like a military operation, hard choices need to be made, and if that upsets people, so be it.”

As far as the pop star is concerned, her real friends understand why she would have this “sort of rule in place.”

An Alleged Wedding Guest Exposed Details About The Couple’s Upcoming Nuptials

The recent report comes after an alleged guest shared eyebrow-raising information with the Daily Mail about Swift and Kelce’s wedding and instructions that had been given to guests.

The individual, who requested not to be named, said their invite disallowed them from bringing a plus-one, which made them lose interest in attending the highly talked about event.

“My invite did not let me bring a plus one,” the alleged guest told the news outlet. “I mean, what am I supposed to do? Go alone? That is so awkward.”

“I don’t think I am going to attend because I don’t want to go by myself, and I am not sure I will know too many people there. I mean, sorry, I am not friends with Gigi and Bella Hadid!” the individual continued.

They further claimed that while guests have been told not to bring a plus one, there were exceptions for famous individuals with partners, like Selena Gomez and her husband, Benny Blanco, which they deemed unfair.

“It’s the wedding of the year, but I may sit this one out because I am shy,” the person added.

Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce’s Wedding Still Has No Specified Venue

Despite Kelce and Swift’s nuptials drawing nearer, not even the guests have been made aware of the location.

This all ties back to the couple’s desire to keep their wedding details private, amid immense speculations about the ceremony.

Speaking on this, the source shared, “I get that too; she doesn’t want everyone knowing where she is getting married until the last minute for security reasons.”

“Now it is one big guessing game; everyone is wondering where it will be. Probably a massive hotel like the Waldorf Astoria that has amazing security and access,” the alleged friend of the pop star added.

Although Swift and Kelce are likely stressed out with the wedding planning, the couple didn’t let it show when they made head-turning appearances at the recent Cavs vs Knicks game, where they showed PDA and seemed very happy and relaxed.

After it was revealed that Carson Rowland won’t be returning for season 5 of Netflix’s Sweet Magnolias, many fans are now convinced that he may be joining season 2 of Amazon Prime’s hit series Off Campus as Jake.

Sweet Magnolias showrunner Sheryl J. Anderson exclusively confirmed to Us Weekly that Rowland, who portrays Tyler “Ty” Townsend, made the “decision” to sit out on the upcoming season, which premieres on Thursday, June 11. After the announcement was made, several fans took to social media to speculate that his next project will be on Off Campus.

One fan shared a screenshot showing that Rowland, 28, follows Jalen Thomas Brooks and Antonio Cipriano on Instagram, which Us Weekly can confirm. The actors appeared on season 1 of Off Campus as hockey players John Tucker and John Logan, respectively.

The speculation continued when an Off Campus fan account pointed out that Brooks, 24, and Cipriano, 26, followed Rowland back. Additionally, the Sweet Magnolias alum also happens to follow fellow Off Campus star Stephen Kalyn, who appears on the show as Dean Di Laurentis.

Related: Sweet Magnolias’ Carson Rowland Breaks Down Ty and Annie’s ‘Slow Burn’

Courtesy Of Netflix Carson Rowland knows that Sweet Magnolias fans love the relationship between Ty and Annie — and believes their “Jim and Pam” dynamic is a big reason why.  “The writers, they love this slow burn. And I think what they’re doing is turning the furnace on so gradually to get people’s excitement up, […]

The fan account wrote that the mutual followings are “sparking rumors about a possible appearance by [Rowland] in the series.”

Meanwhile, several fans have expressed hope that Rowland will play Jake Connelly in Off Campus. In the popular book series that inspired the show, written by Elle Kennedy, Jake is the star forward and captain of the Harvard hockey team.

“I hope that Carson Rowland, whom the Off Campus guys have been following, is Jake Connelly,” another social media user wrote.

One fan said that Rowland “looks just like Jake,” while another chimed in that Rowland being cast as Jake was her “first thought” and she won’t be “complaining” if the actor actually joins the show.

Despite the fan speculation, neither Rowland nor the creative team behind Off Campus has publicly commented on the casting rumors. Us has reached out to Rowland for comment.

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Related: ‘Off-Campus’ Author Addresses the Show Potentially Changing the Book Order

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Off Campus author Elle Kennedy is sounding off on the show potentially making changes by shifting the book order. “The first season is Hannah and Garrett. You get to see the glimpses of the other characters, so fans are going to be like, ‘Who’s next? What’s going to happen?’” Kennedy exclusively told Us Weekly. “We’ll […]

At the end of season 4 of Sweet Magnolias, Ty was at a crossroads while deciding if he should tour the world with his bandmate Olivia (Tommi Rose) or stay close to Serenity amid his romance with Annie (Anneliese Judge). Ty and Annie ended the season at odds when he asked her to defer her dream college in California so that she could go on tour with him instead.

While many fans were hoping to see Ty and Annie’s relationship continue to bloom, Anderson insisted to Us that the show will continue to share meaningful stories amid Rowland’s absence.

“In his leaving, we wanted to make the best of the situation,” she said. “And look at what happens when people leave the people they love to chase a dream.”

Authorities are crediting a “group of private citizens” for ultimately recovering the body of Alaskan Bush People star Matt Brown.

“On Saturday, May 30, 2026, a group of private citizens conducting a search along the Okanogan River located a deceased individual in the river,” a Sunday, May 31, updated press release shared by Washington state’s Okanogan County Sheriff Office’s official Facebook account read in part. “The individual was recovered and brought to shore, where he was positively identified as Matthew Brown.”

The press release, signed by Sheriff Jodie Barcus, continued, “Matthew Brown has been transferred into the custody and care of the Okanogan County Coroner. The cause and manner of death will be determined by the Coroner’s Office. The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office extends its condolences to Mr. Brown’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

The press release concluded by stating that “no further information” will be released, citing an “ongoing investigation” into the reality TV star’s untimely death.

Related: Authorities Suspend Search for Possible ‘Alaskan Bush People’ Star Matt Brown

Authorities have suspended the search for a man feared to be Alaskan Bush People star Matt Brown. “Search efforts to locate the male reported deceased in the Okanogan River continued through Friday 5/29/2026,” Sheriff Jodie Barcus said in an updated press release shared via the Office of the Okanogan County Sheriff’s official Facebook account on […]

Bear Brown, Matt’s brother, confirmed his sibling’s death at the age of 43 via TikTok on Saturday, revealing that their other brother, Noah Brown, was with the group of private citizens when they located his oldest brother’s remains.

“They found a body in the river a few hours ago and it was positively identified as being Matt,” Bear, 38, said at the time. “Noah was with them and helped them pull the body out of the water. Noah identified [Matt].”

While an official cause of death has yet to be publicly revealed at the time of publication, Bear speculated that his brother’s death was “self-inflicted,” adding that he “never would have suspected that [Matt] would have hurt himself” even though his brother “struggled for a long time.”

“I was so worried that he would end up ODed or something like that,” he continued. “I didn’t think he would hurt himself.”

He added, “I ask people to please, please be respectful to my family and to my mom. Please watch the comments that you leave, guys. Sometimes words can hurt more than fists can … In one of [Matt’s] last videos, he was talking about how negative people were on his posts. You guys should keep in mind that people on the other side of your screen, people you are watching a video of, are real people too.”

Later, Noah broke his silence in the wake of his oldest brother’s death, confirming he ID’d Matt’s body.

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“For the past couple of days, I’ve been working with search and rescue groups trying to locate the body and today at 3:27, the group that I was working with located the missing body and I identified it as Matthew,” he told the camera. “My oldest brother, Matthew Brown, has passed away.”

He added, “I was there when we pulled him out of the river. We hauled him up off the bank and then after the sheriff’s got there and everything, the coroner did his thing and I went down to identify that it was him.”

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

There were a lot of Westerns made in the 1950s and 1960s, but this one in particular holds a very special place in the history of the genre. This smashed box office expectations, earned an Oscar at long last for its legendary star, and is probably on the Mount Rushmore of horseback movies. Now, it’s streaming once again, so saddle up.

True Grit is moseying onto Paramount+ in June, bringing the legendary 1969 Western back for viewers who want to revisit the adventures of the iconic Rooster Cogburn. Directed by Henry Hathaway, the film is based on Charles Portis’ 1968 novel of the same name and remains one of the most recognizable Westerns of its era. The cast includes John Wayne (The Searchers) as Rooster Cogburn, Kim Darby (Better Off Dead) as Mattie Ross, Glen Campbell (Norwood) as La Boeuf, Robert Duvall (The Godfather) as Ned Pepper, Dennis Hopper (Easy Rider) as Moon, Jeremy Slate (The Born Losers) as Emmett Quincy, and Strother Martin (Cool Hand Luke) as Colonel Stonehill.

The story follows Mattie Ross, a young woman that won’t take no for an answer who hires aging U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn to help track down the man who murdered her father. Along the way, they are joined by Texas Ranger La Boeuf, creating a strange, prickly trio as they head into dangerous territory in pursuit of justice.

Was ‘True Grit’ Successful?

The movie ended up being one of the defining films of Wayne’s career. The movie earned about $31.1 million domestically, which is roughly $275 million in today’s money, and around $37.7 million worldwide, which works out to around $333 million today. AFI also notes that it earned $11.5 million in film rentals in 1969, equal to roughly $102 million today. And not just that, it was a major success on the awards circuit, with Wayne winning his first and only Academy Award for playing Rooster Cogburn, while it also received a nomination for Best Original Song.

The Coen brothers later adapted the same novel in 2010 with Jeff Bridges and a wonderful debuting Hailee Steinfeld, but the Wayne version still has its own appeal. It’s a broader and more traditional movie, but more than anything, it’s a classic studio Western firing on all cylinders.

True Grit streams on Paramount+ in June.

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Release Date

June 11, 1969

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Runtime

128 minutes

Director

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Henry Hathaway

Writers

Charles Portis, Marguerite Roberts

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Nothing unites the world better than comedy, and sitcoms have long been one of television’s greatest sources of laughter. From early classics like I Love Lucy to modern hits like St. Denis Medical, the genre has constantly reinvented itself to reflect changing times and audiences. Yet despite those changes, certain sitcoms have managed to stand the test of time — not always because they are technically the best, but because they hold a special place in viewers’ lives.

Whether it’s a sitcom broadcast in over 100 countries across the globe or one that has surpassed 805 episodes and counting, these series have become beloved comfort watches for generations of audiences. Their memorable characters, timeless humor, and relatable stories continue to resonate no matter the era. Without further ado, here are the most universally beloved sitcoms of all time.

6

‘The Office’ (2005–2013)

Image via NBC

Corporate culture is usually the last place people try to be funny. That’s not the case with The Office, which shows what happens when the stuffiest workplace turns into one of television’s quirkiest and most chaotic comedies. In the beginning, the Dunder Mifflin paper company branch looks like nothing more than a washed-out office stranded in the middle of nowhere in Scranton. The most exciting thing that probably happens there is the arrival of new office supplies. But The Office has a charm that sneaks up on audiences, and it’s all thanks to its beloved manager and eccentric staff.

The thing about The Office is that it takes familiar office tropes and pushes them to hilarious extremes. Not every viewer has worked in corporate, but almost everyone has dealt with an incompetent and wildly unprofessional boss like Michael Scott (Steve Carell). We’ve all encountered uptight coworkers like Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson) and jokesters like Jim Halpert (John Krasinski). What most people don’t have is the ability to turn the most awkward and inappropriate workplace situations into genuine comedy. If there’s any show where ignoring HR policies and doing anything except actual work literally feels acceptable, it’s The Office.

5

‘The Simpsons’ (1989–Present)

No other dysfunctional fictional family has kept the world entertained quite like The Simpsons. If its 36 years on air aren’t proof enough of its timeless appeal — alongside its eerily accurate real-life predictions — the show has become a television staple because of its slice-of-life adventures that remain relatable no matter what era audiences watch them in. Homer Simpson (Dan Castellaneta) is the kind of father nobody would want in real life, yet viewers can’t help but feel both dumbstruck and amazed by his immature shenanigans.

The chaos is balanced out by the rest of the family, especially the far more emotionally grounded Marge Simpson (Julie Kavner) and her troupe of rowdy children. While they began as America’s most scandalous, dysfunctional family, The Simpsons has spent decades showing that families are meant to be imperfect. Most families may not cause riots in elementary schools or meltdowns across small-town Springfield. Still, it’s refreshing to see the series tear down the stereotypical white-picket-fence family image that television had pushed for generations.

4

‘Friends’ (1994–2004)

Image via NBC

Loyalty, dependability, and compassion are universal languages that anyone around the world can understand. That’s why a show like Friends, despite being firmly rooted in New York City, didn’t just attract an average of 25 million viewers per episode in the United States, but also became a global pop culture phenomenon syndicated in over 100 countries. Not everyone gets along with their own family, but audiences have always found comfort in the idea of a chosen family. That’s exactly what Friends is about: a group of late twenty-somethings who feel like they should have their lives figured out by now, but absolutely don’t. But that’s okay, because they have each other to sort it all out together.

Just like the audience watching them, the Friends gang thinks they have this whole adulthood thing under control. But Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston) literally walks out of her own wedding, Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry) quits his stable data-processing job in his thirties to pursue a marketing internship, and Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow) barely knows who her biological father is. Life may be unpredictable, but what remains constant is that they always have friends they can rely on when everything falls apart. In a generation where everyone seems socially disconnected despite being constantly linked through technology, the camaraderie in Friends feels like a bittersweet reminder of just how important friendship really is.

3

‘Schitt’s Creek (2015–2020)

Image via CBC Television

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Schitt’s Creek follows the once-wealthy Rose family after they lose their fortune to fraud. Left with almost nothing, former video store mogul Johnny Rose (Eugene Levy) discovers the only asset he still owns is Schitt’s Creek, a rundown town he jokingly bought years ago for his son David. Forced to abandon their lavish lifestyle, Johnny, his dramatic soap-star wife Moira (Catherine O’Hara), socialite daughter Alexis (Annie Murphy), and eccentric David (Dan Levy) must adjust to life in a shabby motel while navigating the quirky townspeople they once considered beneath them.

Part of the show’s appeal comes from watching the Roses stumble through everyday life completely out of touch with reality. Their arrogance and cluelessness make for endless laughs, but over six seasons, Schitt’s Creek gradually reveals how much these characters are capable of changing. What begins as a story about a spoiled family losing everything slowly becomes one about personal growth, humility, and finding purpose. Johnny rebuilds the motel business, Alexis pursues her education and career, Moira becomes involved in the town, and David follows his father’s entrepreneurial footsteps.

2

‘Abbott Elementary’ (2021–Present)

Image via Disney/Gilles Mingasson

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Teaching is a noble profession, but it doesn’t always receive the respect it deserves. Abbott Elementary tells a story that both school staff and students can relate to. There are the teachers who do everything in their power with limited resources to provide the best learning experience for their students, and then there are the students, who, despite still being in kindergarten and elementary school, are incredibly bright for their age. Which brings us to one of the show’s funniest aspects: sometimes your biggest critics aren’t your fellow teachers, but your own students.

The teaching staff at Abbott Elementary is a rowdy bunch. While there are teachers like the overly passionate yet naive Janine Teagues (Quinta Brunson) and the seasoned veteran Barbara Howard (Sheryl Lee Ralph), there’s also the low-key gangster Melissa Schemmenti (Lisa Ann Walter) and the questionable hustler Ava Coleman (Janelle James). Although they always have the kids’ best interests at heart, their methods don’t always translate well, leading to plenty of hilarious moments. From teachers getting caught “smoking” by a student to one becoming far too attached to a class pet, the show proves that no matter how imperfect these teachers may be, they’re still willing to learn and grow alongside their classes.

1

‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ (2013–2021)

Image via Fox

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“Nine-nine!” Chaos is practically part of the job description in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Set inside the fictional 99th Precinct of the New York City Police Department, the series follows Detective Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg), a talented investigator whose immature antics and sloppy habits constantly test the patience of his coworkers. His biggest rival, the ambitious and highly organized Amy Santiago (Melissa Fumero), is determined to outshine him at every turn. Things become even more chaotic when the strict and emotionless Captain Ray Holt (Andre Braugher) takes command of the precinct and clashes with Jake’s carefree attitude.

With lives at stake, a police precinct should remain vigilant and ready for action. But Brooklyn Nine-Nine is the complete opposite of that. Almost everyone on the force possesses exceptional talent, but it’s what they do with those talents that makes the show so hilarious. They still solve cases, though usually on their own terms, leading to shenanigans like Peralta going completely off the book or one of Santiago’s perfectly planned schemes falling absolutely haywire. No matter how big their egos may be, however, protecting the people of Brooklyn always remains their top priority.

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Brooklyn Nine-Nine

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Release Date

2013 – 2021-00-00

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Directors

Michael McDonald, Claire Scanlon, Linda Mendoza, Dean Holland, Beth McCarthy-Miller, Victor Nelli Jr., Craig Zisk, Tristram Shapeero, Rebecca Asher, Eric Appel, Maggie Carey, Alex Reid, Giovani Lampassi, Nisha Ganatra, Ryan Case, Trent O’Donnell, Matt Nodella, Jamie Babbit, Ken Whittingham, Max Winkler, Akiva Schaffer, Fred Goss, Jaffar Mahmood, Julie Anne Robinson

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